U.S. imposes import duties on polysilicon used in solar panels and chips

The administration of President Donald Trump announced new import measures targeting polysilicon, a key material for solar panels and semiconductors. Trump signed a presidential proclamation late last night that sets minimum import prices for polysilicon and related semi‑finished goods and imposes a 15 percent tariff on products made from those materials; the measures will take effect 120 days after the proclamation was signed.

Administration cites national security and invokes Section 232

Washington described the steps as "necessary" and invoked Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, a national‑security trade authority the administration previously used for tariffs on steel, aluminum and automobiles.

Polysilicon is used across the solar industry and in the manufacture of computer chips. High‑purity material is produced by firms such as Wacker Chemie, which operates a factory in the U.S. state of Tennessee.

The measures are expected to benefit Hemlock Semiconductor, the joint venture of Corning and Shin‑Etsu Handotai, both of which have for years faced competition from Chinese manufacturers offering lower prices.

China has criticized the planned measures. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Zhijian accused Washington of an overbroad interpretation of national security and of wielding state power against Chinese companies. He said: "Protectionism will not make the American economy more competitive, but will disrupt normal trade and will harm American companies and consumers."

Analysts say the move is likely to deepen trade tensions and could raise costs for solar installers and chip makers that rely on imported polysilicon, while also reshaping supply‑chain incentives for investment in domestic production.

Photo: press material from the event